What to expect at a BMW CCA MVC Driver School
What if I don’t drive a BMW?
We are a very inclusive group. All makes are welcome. But at the end of the weekend you may be so impressed with BMWs that you end up buying one in the near future. After all BMW’s slogan is “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” Don’t say we didn’t warn you. It’s happened to others.
Convertibles are considered on a case by case basis. If you are interested in attending and drive a convertible, please contact the event chair for more information. Trucks & SUVs are
not permitted for safety reasons.
The BMW X3 & X5 along with the Porsche Cheyenne are the only exceptions to the truck/SUV rule. It has been determined that these vehicles meet the minimum safety requirements. Participation with an X3, X5 or Cheyenne will be limited to the novice group regardless of the driver’s experience level.
How hard on my car is a driver’s school?
As a novice student you will barely notice any tire wear or any other type of wear. Sure you will be taking corners fast and braking hard but you will be learning the correct ways to perform these tasks. Entering a corner correctly, loading up the tires, compressing the suspension and using smooth steering inputs will add greatly to the life of your tires vs. flinging the car into a corner. Some of those on/off ramps you take where your tires squealed in the past can be taken at a much more relaxed demeanor yet without a reduction in speed. You are most certainly aware of that nasty brake dust on your wheels. Did you know that most of it comes from improper braking? Properly squeezing the brake pedal, heating up the pad material correctly and slowing the car in a shorter distance will help reduce brake wear and dust. So, if anything, attending a driver’s school could actually help extend the life of certain parts.
Will my car pass the technical inspection?
The purpose of the technical inspection is to ensure that your car is in proper working order. Most cars have no issue passing the technical inspection if they are properly maintained. If you car can’t pass the technical inspection, you probably shouldn’t be driving the car on the street either. We recommend BMW of Lincoln to do your technical inspection. But you are welcome to choose anyone who specializes in BMWs or the vehicle that you drive. Here is a list of the items that will be checked. Please note the official tech inspection form that must is in the registration packet.
Body: The car’s body should be free of excess rust. All body panels should be secure. All lights are in working order
Glass/Mirrors: Windshield should have no cracks and be in general good shape. The vehicle should have one rear view mirror and at least one side mirror.
Suspension: The shocks/struts should be in good condition with no visible leaks. The suspension mounting points should be free of defects/cracks or rust. All bushings should be in good condition and free of cracks. No excessive play should be present in the ball joints or wheel bearings.
Brakes: The brake pedal should return freely. Pad thickness should be at least 5mm. The brake fluid should be no more than 6 months old.
Seat Belts: The seat belts should be in excellent condition with the same type of restrain for both the driver and passenger.
Belts and Hose: All hoses should be in good condition. All belts should be in good condition
Engine Compartment: The battery should be secure. No fuel or coolant leaks. No loose or frayed wiring. All fluids at the correct levels
Tires: Tires should be in good shape with no defects or punctures. Tread depth should be no less than 3/32nd. DOT approved tires are required.
Exhaust: Exhaust hangers should be secure. The exhaust pipe should exit to the rear of the car. Confirm proper mufflers are present. No exhaust leaks should be present
How do I prepare for a Driver’s school?
First order of business is to sign up for the school. We use a wonder web based product offered by another club member that helps event organizers manage the event. MotorsportReg.com is the place to go but to make things easier, just follow the Treiben Schnell Driver’s School registration link on the chapter’s website www.bmwccamvc.org
Next download the Registration Packet that is also found on our chapter website. It includes the Tech Inspection Form, Helmet Waiver and Medical Form. You will then need to find a helmet. There are plenty of options on line but your best bet will be to visit one off the local motorcycle or race shops. Finding a helmet that fits properly is of utmost importance for comfort AND safety. Star City Motorsports in Lincoln is friend of the club and will be more than happy to help you find the right helmet.
At this time you also want to be thinking about getting your tech inspection done on your car. You don’t want to wait to long in case your car needs some attention. BMW of Lincoln, our event sponsor is well qualified to perform this inspection and has excellent parts availability. However, occasionally there are situations that require parts be shipped from Germany. Therefore, you could be left sitting in the bleachers if you wait till the last minute. While we recommend BMW of Lincoln, you are welcome to choose anyone who specializes in BMWs or the vehicle that you drive. While all cars have 4 wheels you want to make sure the tech looking over your car knows its particulars and can pay special attention to any of its trouble areas.
OK, so now that your car is ready we need to get you prepared. It’s not going to be anything new if I tell you that this is the Midwest and the weather can change in a matter of minutes. While you wouldn’t go on a long trip without making sure you have everything you might need, heading to the track (or should I say, asphalt playground?) you will need to plan for sun, wind, rain, wind and wind. I don’t know of a single track where wind isn’t a factor at some time, so be prepared. You will want some type of hat, a pair of sunglasses and a rain poncho. It’s also a good idea to bring something to protect your personal belongings. Your best bet is to clean your car of the non-essential items. The less you bring the less you have to worry about if Mother Nature decides to throw a party. Since you will have classroom sessions a pad of paper and a pen will come in handy. Of course you can’t forget a folding chair. Even though much of your time will be spent sitting either in class or in the driver’s seat you might find yourself wanting to kick your feet up just to take it all in.
Some tools you will find handy are a torque wrench and a trustworthy tire gauge. The torque wrench will be used to make sure you lug nuts are on tight before each session. Because of the lateral loading of the tires we want to make sure the lug nuts don’t work themselves loose. Not to worry though, if you don’t have one there will be plenty at the track willing to lend you theirs and help you out. Having a tire gauge handy will aid in keeping your tires in check. As you drive your tires will heat up, as you take more and more corners the higher the temps will get in your tires. Balancing out your tire pressures, adding or removing air is the best performance bang for it’s buck and will help extend the life of your tires. If you are unsure where to set your tire pressures, ask your instructor for guidance.
Now it’s time to think about your health. You will want to get plenty of sleep the night before. While this seems silly, driving takes a lot of mental effort. If there is one thing we want you to take away from the school it’s that driving takes 110% of your concentration. It will never be more evident than this weekend. In addition to plenty of rest you want to make sure you bring plenty of water and drink as much as you can. Water is a vital fluid that the body needs to function. Even if the weather is to be pleasant, if not cool, you still want to drink plenty of water. The best advice is to keep a bottle in your hand so it’s always there and you’ll end up drinking it. Without water you won’t be able to concentrate and you’ll end up loosing focus. It would also make sense to cut back on the caffeinated drinks as they are diuretics and increase dehydration. Lastly, bring some snacks to keep your energy up. Fruit is always a good option.
You are now on your way to a relaxing weekend while you expand your limits and understanding of vehicle dynamics.
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